VIDEO: Father and daughter swept out to sea in Tenerife rescued in dramatic helicopter operation
A father and his 8-year-old daughter narrowly escaped tragedy yesterday, Sunday, after a powerful wave dragged them out of the natural pool at Isla Cangrejo, on the coast of Santiago del Teide in Tenerife. Both were rescued alive in a high-risk operation involving an emergency helicopter.
The pair, on holiday in Tenerife, were caught by a sudden surge of water that lifted them out of the pool and into open sea, an area already under coastal danger pre-alert due to strong swell affecting the whole archipelago. Witnesses say the wave slammed them against the rocks, but they managed to cling on until help arrived.
High-risk air rescue
The GES helicopter quickly reached the scene, winching both victims to safety. Medical crews from the Canary Islands Emergency Service confirmed they suffered only minor injuries and cuts.
Local Police, firefighters from Tenerife, and the Guardia Civil also assisted in securing the area, which has become notorious for serious accidents.
A location with a deadly history
Isla Cangrejo has seen several fatal incidents in recent months. Four tourists died there in December after ignoring closure signs during rough sea conditions. Two other men have also drowned at the site in the past ten months. Safety campaigners warn that social media has made the spot popular, despite it being extremely dangerous during high tides and heavy swell.
Extremely hazardous sea conditions
Canary Islands authorities had already issued a coastal alert due to large waves of 2–4 metres, strong swell from the northwest, and unusually high tidal coefficients. These conditions significantly increase the force of incoming waves and can easily catch bathers off guard.
Officials are again urging the public to avoid natural pools, breakwaters and exposed coastal areas whenever a coastal pre-alert is in place.
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